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My car

Got a 1.6 LS 8V Estate petrol version which I've had for 6 years now with approaching 102,000 on the clock. Fabulous car, totally reliable, very practical and perfect because I've got dogs and the very expensive Guardsman dog cage fits. And, something which seems to be lacking these days, it's got a sunroof! I want another one!!

1.8i 16v Elegance 5dr

les col
,
suffolk
.
Date:
06/05/2008

Overall verdict

5
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

I have owned my 05 reg Astra 1.8 petrol Estate from new and covered 45,000 miles. The car is first class in every respect. It has excellent gear ratio's and a lively engine. Towing up to maximum weight of 1300kg still gives approx 30mpg in average conditions. Towed approx 4,500 miles out of the 45,000 and have never reset the computor so the readout covers the total distance since new and shows 39.1 per gallon. Now selling and buying a Vectra, my Astra still looks as new inside and out. Apart from the two services only other cost a pair of front tyres at 31,000.

1.6i 16v LS 5dr

David Palmer
,
Hampshire
.
Date:
31/08/2007

Overall verdict

3
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

3
out of 5 stars

Running costs

4
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

I have a 2001 car which has now done nearly 140000 miles. It has never let me down and starts first time every time. It feels much more solidly built than my wifes Peugeot 206SW. It is fun to drive as the suspension is quite stiff and it handles well. The standard factory fitted radio/cd is excellent.

On the down side, I find the drivers seat very uncomfortable and I just don't seem to be able to adjust it to a comfortable position. As passengers, my wife and daughter also find the ride grossly uncomfortable mainly because of the stiff suspension which means they get thrown about over bumpy roads, to the extent that they sometimes feel car sick.

I also have problems with the alarm system which goes off without any provocation particularly in warm sunny weather. The aircon has also decided to pack up.

It is, however, an extremely practical car and I will be loathe to change from an estate to a hatchback. My next car, however, must be more comfortable and have a much better ride.

1.7TD LS 5dr

Evan Smith
,
middx
.
Date:
20/08/2007

Overall verdict

5
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

The Astra estate, like all MkII Astras, is a very unassuming car, and to be honest needs alloys to give it some zeal.

The interior is functional and tough, the exterior solid and, I promise you, it's as well
built as a VW.

Where the 1.7D really satisfies is its engine and chassis, to the point where it can embarrass any car that underestimates its power band, torque and motorway-chomping abilities.

Service costs are lower than the average Japanese and German car, and £3500 gets you a clean, low-mileage example with full service history.